​Real Madrid are set to scupper Manchester United’s hopes of signing Gareth Bale by inserting a release clause worth a staggering €500m in a new contract at the Bernabeu.

The new deal will also see the Welshman’s wages rise in line with top-earners Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, in recognition of his increased influence at Real.

The Guardian claim Bale is already in talks with Real over extending his stay in Madrid, with the European champions keen to keep him for the duration of his elite career.

As part of the measures being taken to keep Bale in Madrid, club president Florentino Perez has held talks with Bale’s representatives about a €500m [£427m] release clause, which would price United out of the market despite their large financial spending power. Given that Real do not want to sell Bale, the prospect of him moving to Old Trafford appears highly unlikely if a new deal is announced.

Such figures like the one being discussed over Bale’s buy-out clause are not an unknown to Real, with Perez previously confirming that Ronaldo’s fee stands at €1bn, the highest of any footballer worldwide.